The confirmation comes after discussions between the Greek Government Minister, Konstantinos Chatzidakis and European Commission Vice President, Commissioner Neelie Kroes. Further details were agreed in letters exchanged between Professor Helmbrecht and Minister, Mr Stavros Kalogiannis.

Under the agreements, ENISA’s Executive Director, research and analysis functions, and administrative and horizontal tasks will be based in Heraklion. Operational staff members who work closely with EU Member States’ governments will be based in ENISA’s Athens office. Greece’s government fully supports this, and is assisting ENISA in finding adequate premises in Athens.

Professor Helmbrecht said: “I am delighted that we have had this excellent news, which confirms what we have always said, ENISA’s seat will remain in Heraklion. The confirmation of the Heraklion seat and the Athens office allows work on the new ENISA Regulation to move forward, and removes uncertainty for our staff.

“We have excellent support from Greece’s government, particularly from Ministers Chatzidakis and Kalogiannis, and on Crete, the Governor, Mr Stavros Arnaoutakis, has provided invaluable assistance. Both myself, and all of the ENISA team are looking forward to continuing these good relationships with a confirmed future for ENISA.”

The overall European Regulation, under which ENISA operates, is in the process of being renewed by the European Parliament and Council. The confirmation of ENISA’s seat in Heraklion is a major step forward in this process.

References

The European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) is a centre of expertise for cyber security in Europe.

ENISA is contributing to a high level of network and information security (NIS) within the European Union, by developing and promoting a culture of NIS in society to assist in the proper functioning of the internal market.